Is there a better bet than love?

Dad and I sat at our kitchen table tonight for almost 2 hours. Everyone else was out and about, so we decided to just sit down and talk for awhile.

I felt grown up, I'm not going to lie.

Maybe it was that I was drinking a beer with my dad.

Maybe it's because I still feel the 21 euphoria.

Maybe it's a little of both.

More so though, I think I'm feeling more grown up, at least in my relationship with my dad these days, because we've grown closer. After everything with Lance, it's like God has brought a new appreciation for each other in our family. Dad and I have spent so much time together this break, and I have learned a lot about my dad. I can talk with him about anything it seems, and he feels the same way about me. He told me so.

I've always admired my dad in a special way, but since he's opened up about what he feels about God, what he loves about being a teacher and what he struggles with in teaching, and the regrets he has in life, it's like a whole new dimension has been created in our relationship.

We talked about things going on in his classroom, and it was fascinating. I have so many memories of going to school with my dad and watching him teach, and he was always so good at it. He likes to be Mr. Tough Guy by punishing students with pushups, but more than that, he genuinely cares about his students. We talked about kids in his class that are on welfare. Kids in his class that are trying hard are barely passing. He is in a dilemma with many of these kids, and I felt grown up in that he was confiding in me for advice. What do I know about the classroom? About high school kids barely making it? Yet, he wanted to know.

Even on my birthday, up in Blackhawk, he told me I could ask him 5 questions. These 5 questions could be about anything. Specifically, things I have always wanted to know about my dad. He vowed to answer fully and honestly. He just said, "Heather, you're 21. You are growing up. We can talk about things as adults now."

I can't reveal the questions or the answers, as I was sworn into Newell secrecy.

Let's just say it this way—there is a very clear reason I am the daughter of Edward (Ted) Lance Newell.

We're crazy.

We're weird.

But, we love life.

Chances are only what we make them and all I need

Friends, family, and acquaintances have been constantly asking me about Ghana, about the University, and about what exactly I will be doing in Africa.
And that's more than understandable, expected even.

My dad likes to joke that he isn't sure why I so badly want to go abroad when I already study abroad in Arkansas every year. Hahaha. But really. This is quite a leap from Conway, Arkansas.

I have had moments of foolishness, it feels like, because I don't have all the answers.

They ask what my classes will be, what the conditions are like of where I am staying, of the places I will see, of my roommates, of the culture, and of the food.

It's inspired me to try and figure out exactly what I am doing and where I am going.

I can tell you this:

• The University of Ghana is considered the most prestigious university in West Africa
  
• It was founded in 1948 as the University of the Gold Coast, originally an affiliate with the University of London
  
• Approximately 42,00 students attend the University of Ghana
  
• One graduate was the current President of Ghana, John Atta Mills
  
• Accra has a tropical savanna climate
  
• If you want dining and nightlife head to the well renowned Osu neighborhood in Accra
  
• Chicago is the sister-city to Accra
  
• Ghana won its independence in 1957
  

As you can see, I know very little. These are just a few of the facts I know about Ghana.

When I tell people of the upcoming adventure I may throw some of these around to provide a little bit of reassurance. I also tell them I try to take social work classes, I remark that I really want to join a sports team, and I conclude that my activities outside of school may include working in an orphanage.

I am always sure to note that I do know one of my best friends, Rachel, will be right there along with me. If nothing else, this crazy ride will be shared between us, our own experiences, and yet the opportunity to learn from each other as we experience something difficult to vocalize. I've noticed that once I say one of my best friends will be there, there always is a sigh of relief. A support system, a friend. This, above knowledge gives more reassurance than anything.

So here I am. About to go to Africa.

Maybe it's becoming more apparent that I don't know exactly what I am getting into.

And yet, this is what I wanted. You can never really know what life has in store for you, but with the University of Ghana, I literally do not know. Deep down, I like that. I like not knowing. I like going into something with no expectations. So much of life is rooted in expectations. This isn't bad. In fact, necessary at times. But this time, there are no expectations. What will happen, will happen. It will be hard, I can imagine, to truly embrace this. But ultimately, this is my goal.

As I try and describe the experience I am about to have to others, it has become so clear to me.

You can't know a place until you GO.

I can tell you all that I read in my orientation packet, or maybe what I read from Wikipedia, or possibly what Amanda told us just a few weeks ago. But, until I go, all we have is speculation.

Who knows what is about to happen. My heart is ready. I feel ready. When the plane touches down in Accra, Ghana everything will become real. More real than I might even comprehend. I am going to pray for balance, for patience, and for strength. With these, I know God will help me to understand the weeks ahead. Through good, through bad, this adventure is about to become a reality.

Peace.